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Harmful waste gas treatment in electroplating factories

Views: 9     Author: XICHENG EP LTD     Publish Time: 2023-08-17      Origin: XICHENG EP LTD

Electroplating plants generate a variety of exhaust gases during metal surface treatment, which may contain harmful substances and pollutants. The exhaust gas generated by electroplating can be adsorbed by installing a wet scrubber.


Wet scrubber is a commonly used waste gas treatment equipment, which can be used to treat the exhaust gas generated in the electroplating tank. Wet scrubbers use liquid absorption and chemical reactions to capture and remove pollutants from exhaust gases, and then discharge the cleaned gases into the atmosphere.

exhaust gas of garment factories

The working principle of the wet scrubber is that the exhaust gas is passed into the equipment, and by contact with the liquid absorbent (such as water or lye), the pollutants are absorbed, dissolved or reacted in the liquid. These liquid absorbents neutralize acidic or alkaline exhaust gases and capture pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).


The advantages of waste gas treatment wet scrubbers include:

  • Efficient removal of pollutants: Wet scrubbers can effectively remove a variety of pollutants in the exhaust gas, including harmful gases and particulate matter.

  • Applicable to a variety of pollutants: Wet scrubbers are suitable for treating waste gases with different components, including acid gases, alkaline gases, organic waste gases, etc.

  • Relatively low operating temperature: Wet scrubbers typically operate at low temperatures, which helps avoid certain harmful chemical reactions.

  • Relatively low energy consumption: Wet scrubbers have relatively low energy consumption and do not require high temperature heating.

  • However, wet scrubbers also have some limitations and considerations:

  • Treatment liquid management: Wet scrubbers need to process waste liquid, which may generate waste water, and require appropriate waste water treatment methods.

  • Operating Costs: There may be operating costs associated with running and maintaining a wet scrubber, including the supply of liquid absorbent and waste disposal.

  • Corrosion issues: Some exhaust gas chemicals may have a corrosive effect on wet scrubber materials, requiring proper material selection.

design a wet scrubber

Overall, the wet scrubber is a common and effective waste gas treatment equipment, which can be used to treat the waste gas generated by the electroplating tank to a certain extent. However, when choosing a waste gas treatment method, factors such as the composition of the waste gas, the amount of production, environmental regulations, and equipment operating costs need to be considered comprehensively.


The main exhaust gas components of electroplating factories:

  1. Acidic waste gas: Acidic solutions, such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, may be used in the electroplating process. These acidic solutions produce waste gas during the reaction, which may contain sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other components.

  2. Alkaline off-gas: Similarly, electroplating with an alkaline solution such as sodium hydroxide will produce an alkaline off-gas, which may contain components such as ammonia (NH3).

  3. Organic waste gas: Organic solvents or additives may be used in the electroplating process, and these solvents will generate organic waste gas when heated or evaporated, which may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc.

  4. Metal vapor: During the electroplating process, metal ions can evaporate under high temperature conditions to form metal vapor, such as chromium and nickel.

  5. Oxidation exhaust gas: Oxidation reaction may occur during the electroplating process, resulting in oxidation exhaust gas, which may contain nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other components.

  6. Odors and Odors: Various volatile substances may be produced during the electroplating process, causing unpleasant odors and odors in the plant area.


Components in these exhaust gases can have negative impacts on the environment and human health, such as air pollution, acid rain, respiratory problems, etc. Therefore, electroplating plants need to take appropriate waste gas treatment measures, such as emission control, exhaust gas collection and purification, etc., to ensure that exhaust gas emissions comply with environmental regulations and standards and reduce the impact on the environment. Different countries and regions may have different regulations and standards to regulate and manage the exhaust gas generated by electroplating plants.

The hazards of exhaust gas from electroplating plants

Does the electroplating tank try harmful gases during electroplating?

Yes, the electroplating tank may release some harmful gases during the electroplating process. These harmful gases mainly come from the reaction and decomposition of chemical substances in the electroplating solution under the action of electric current. The following are some common harmful gases:

  1. Hydrogen (H2): During electroplating, metal ions are reduced to metal, and hydrogen gas may be produced in the reaction. Hydrogen is a flammable and explosive gas that requires attention to prevent fire and explosion risks.

  2. Chlorine (Cl2): In some electroplating processes containing chloride, such as copper chloride plating, chlorine gas may be produced during electrolysis. Chlorine has a pungent odor and is harmful to the respiratory tract and eyes.

  3. Cyanide Gas (HCN): During some electroplating processes, such as cyanide gold plating, cyanide gas may be produced. Cyanide gas is extremely harmful to the human body and is a highly toxic substance that can rapidly affect the central nervous system.

  4. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): During electroplating processes containing sulfuric acid, hydrogen sulfide gas may be produced. Hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous gas with a pungent smell, which is harmful to the respiratory tract and health.

  5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Some electroplating solutions and additives contain volatile organic compounds, which may evaporate during the electroplating process and cause air quality and human health impacts.

PP water tank

In order to prevent these harmful gases from causing harm to workers and the environment, electroplating plants usually take the following measures:

  1. Set up a proper ventilation and exhaust system around the electroplating tank to discharge harmful gases to the outside in time.

  2. The use of chemicals and process selection to reduce the generation of hazardous gases.

  3. Provide staff with appropriate personal protective equipment such as respiratory masks, protective glasses, etc.

  4. Regularly monitor the air quality to ensure that the concentration of harmful gases is within an acceptable range.

  5. Comply with local environmental regulations and standards to ensure that exhaust emissions comply with regulations.


In conclusion, harmful gases may be generated during the electroplating process, so appropriate measures must be taken to prevent these gases from causing harm to human health and the environment.

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